Floating pump

ABSTRACT

A floating pump is provided that has a power system, a pumping system, a filtering system, a floatation system and a support structure. The power system has a power source and a drive shaft. The pumping system has a pumping conduit and a drive member. The filtering system is in fluid communication with the inlet. The floatation system has at least one float and the support structure supports the power, pumping, filtering and floatation systems. The pumping conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The drive member is operably connected to the drive shaft for inducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit. The at least one float has sufficient buoyancy to maintain the engine and/or drive shaft above a water line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to pumps and, more particularly, topumps that can float during operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pumping devices are well known and used in a variety of environments.Further known are floating pumps which can be used for a variety ofdifferent purposes such as drainage, dredging, irrigation, and the like.

Contemporary floating pumps are typically connected to a power sourcewhich includes a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to a driveshaft and a propeller which creates flow from an inlet to an outlet ofthe pump. Floatation devices are provided for buoyancy.

Depending upon the pumping capacity of the floating pump, the powersource and resulting torque can be very large. Such a large torque canprovide instability to the floating pump, especially during start up andthrough acceleration to steady state operation. Stability is of greatconcern for large floating pumps where workers need access to thecomponents of the pump. Contemporary floating pumps have sought toprovide stability by positioning the engine and drive assembly onopposing sides of the structure with an elongated, submerged drive shaftconnecting them. However, such configurations reduce power transmissionefficiency and reduce pumping torque.

Typically, the floating pump is positioned in an environment containingdebris and the like. Filtering of such debris is often employed so thatthe various components of the floating pump can be protected from thedebris and/or the debris is not pumped through to the dispensing point.The type and amount of filtering can have an effect on the efficiency ofthe pumping. Where a high degree of filtering is used, the majority ofdebris will be isolated from the pump components and/or the dispensingpoint. Of course, such a high degree of filtering can impede flow to theinlet of the pump and reduce the volume of flow. Where a low degree offiltering is used, a large amount of debris can gain access to the pumpcomponents and/or the dispensing point. Such a low degree of filteringcan increase the risk of failure through debris damage to the pumpcomponents, as well as increase the risk of blockage.

The type of debris can impact the effectiveness of the filtering beingemployed. For example, cages and the like, which surround moving partsof the pump assembly, can be effective against large, rigid debris, suchas wood but are ineffective against smaller, flexible debris, such asrope or other discarded flexible material. Where moveable parts,especially submerged rotating drive shafts, are not protected from thistype of flexible debris, the result can be failure of the pump. Suchflexible material can penetrate the cage and wrap about the submergedrotating drive shaft resulting in transmission and/or engine failure.

Thus, there is a need for a floating pump that addresses theabove-described drawbacks. There is a further need for such a floatingpump that protects the pump components from debris, while maintainingpumping efficiency. There is yet a further need for such a floating pumpthat provides stability even during start up and through acceleration tosteady state operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a stable device for pumping fluids whilefloating in a pool or reservoir of the fluid. The exemplary embodimentprotects the pump components from debris, while maintaining pumpingefficiency. The exemplary embodiment provides stability even duringstart up and through acceleration to steady state operation.

In one aspect, a floating pump is provided comprising: a power systemhaving a power source and a drive shaft; a pumping system having apumping conduit and a drive member; a filtering system in fluidcommunication with the inlet; a floatation system having at least onefloat; and a support structure for supporting the power, pumping,filtering and floatation systems. The pumping conduit has an inlet andan outlet. The drive member is operably connected to the drive shaft forinducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit. The at least one floathas sufficient buoyancy to maintain the drive shaft above a water line.

In another aspect, a floating pump is provided comprising: a powersystem having a power source and a drive shaft; a pumping system havinga pumping conduit, at least one gear and a drive member; a filteringsystem in fluid communication with the inlet; a floatation system havingat least one float with sufficient buoyancy to maintain the power sourceabove a water line; and a support structure for supporting the power,pumping, filtering and floatation systems. The power source, the driveshaft and the at least one gear are positioned along a center portion ofthe support structure. The pumping conduit has an inlet and an outlet.The drive member is operably connected to the drive shaft via the atleast one gear for inducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit.

In another aspect, a floating pump is provided comprising: a powersystem having an engine and a drive shaft; a pumping system having apumping conduit, at least one gear and a propeller; a floatation systemhaving at least one float with sufficient buoyancy to maintain theengine and drive shaft above a water line; and a support structure forsupporting the power, pumping, filtering and floatation systems. Theengine, drive shaft and at least one gear are positioned along a centerportion of the support structure. The pumping conduit has an inlet andan outlet. The propeller is operably connected to the drive shaft viathe at least one gear for inducing fluid flow through the pumpingconduit

The drive member can be a propeller in the pumping conduit. The at leastone float can be first and second floats positioned along a substantiallength of the support structure on opposing sides of the supportstructure. The power source may be an internal combustion engine. Thefiltering system can be a box-like structure having an open upper endand comprising a plurality of walls made from screen. The drive shaftcan be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the supportstructure. The pumping system may also have a right angle gear operablyconnected to the drive shaft and being substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the support structure. The pumping system mayalso have a diffuser downstream of the propeller. The power source andthe drive shaft can be positioned along a center portion of the supportstructure.

The distance from a center point of the power source to a center pointof the at least one gear can be less than 0.75 of a length of thesupport structure. The distance from a center point of the power sourceto a center point of the at least one gear may also be less than 0.5 ofa length of the support structure. The distance from a center point ofthe power source to a center point of the at least one gear can be lessthat 0.4 of a length of the support structure. The drive member may be apropeller positioned in the pumping conduit and the at least one floatcan maintain the drive shaft above the water line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a another perspective view of the pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the pump of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pump of FIG. 1 with the floatationsystem removed;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the pump of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the pump of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the pump of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pumping system of the pump of FIG. 1with a portion of the pumping conduit in phantom;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pumping system of FIG. 9 with a portion ofthe pumping conduit in phantom;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the gear thruster and propeller of thepumping system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the diffuser of the pumping system ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the support structure of the pump ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pump of FIG. 1 with the powersystem and pumping system removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to a floating pump.Aspects will be explained in connection with one possible embodiment ofthe floating pump, but the detailed description is intended only asexemplary. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-14, but thepresent disclosure is not limited to the illustrated structure orapplication.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a floating pump is shown and generally referredto by reference numeral 10. Pump 10 has a power system 100, a pumpingsystem 200, a filtering system 300, a support structure 400 and afloatation system 500. Pump 10 can be used in a variety of environmentsand provides for high volume pumping with stability and safety ofoperation. Pump 10 is connectable to a dispensing conduit 20 that can berun to a desired dispensing point. The particular type, length anddiameter of the dispensing conduit 20 can be chosen to facilitate thepumping operation, for example, a high volume, flexible transfer conduitcan be used with the pump 10. Such a high volume, flexible transferconduit 20 can be made from high density polyethylene piping, but thepresent disclosure contemplates other types of dispensing conduits beingused with pump 10 including rigid conduits. Pump 10 can be used bothwith or without the dispensing conduit 20. While the pump 10 typicallyis used for pumping water, the present disclosure contemplates pump 10being used for the pumping of any type of fluid or mixture of fluids.

Power system 100 can be an internal combustion engine 110, such as adiesel marine engine, or can be another power source, such as anelectric engine. The engine 110 is mounted to the support structure 400so as to be held at a sufficient distance from the fluid or water line30 to avoid contact therewith. To provide stability to the pump 10,engine 110 can be mounted in a center or middle portion 430 of thesupport structure 400 between the rear and front portions 410 and 420.As can be seen clearly in FIG. 3, the engine 110 and the right anglegear 210, which will be discussed later in greater detail, are centrallylocated along the support structure which adds stability to the pump 10even during initial start up and acceleration through steady stateoperation.

The particular mounting structure and/or technique used for connectingthe engine 110 to the support structure 400 can be chosen to providestructural integrity, while maintaining ease of assembly andcost-effectiveness. In the exemplary embodiment of pump 10, opposingangle brackets 120 are positioned along a substantial portion of theunderside of the engine 110 and connected to the support structure 400.

Power system 100 has a drive shaft 130 that is connected to engine 110and right angle gear 210 to transfer the power of the engine to thepumping system 200. Drive shaft 130 is preferably of a shortened lengthto avoid loss of transmission efficiency and reduction of torque. Driveshaft 1 30 is held at a sufficient distance from the water line 30 toavoid contact therewith and is preferably positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis of, and/or centered with, the support structure 400 tofurther increase stability of the pump 10. By centrally locating theengine 110 and right angle gear 210, the length of the drive shaft 130can be minimized and stability can be imparted to the pump 10. As shownin FIG. 7, the distance d, from the center point C₁ of the engine 110 tothe center point C₂ of the right angle gear 210 is preferably less that0.75 of the total length d₂ of the support structure, more preferablyless that 0.5 of the total length d₂ of the support structure, and mostpreferably less that 0.40 of the total length d₂ of the supportstructure. In the exemplary embodiment, the distance d₁ from the centerpoint C₁ of the engine 110 to the center point C₂ of the right anglegear 210 is about 88 inches and the total length d₂ of the supportstructure is about 240 inches. The width of the support structure isabout 114 inches. However, the present disclosure contemplates otherdimensions being used. By centrally disposing the weight of the pump 10with respect to the support structure 400, the stability of the pump isimproved even during initial start up and through acceleration to steadystate operation, and the transmission efficiency is also increased byshortening of the drive shaft 130.

Referring to FIGS. 5-12, the right angle gear 210 is operably connectedto a gear spool 220 and gear thruster 230 in order to provide rotationaldrive to a propeller or other drive member 250. Right angle gear 210 ispreferably positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of, and/orcentered with, the support structure 400 to further increase stabilityof the pump 10. The right angle gear 210 is preferably positioned abovethe water line 30. Such a positioning facilitates maintenance of thegear 210, reduces the effects of corrosion and allows for use of acomponent with less sealing requirements. Gear spool 220 and gearthruster 230 are preferably encased in housings 225 and 235,respectively.

Housing 235, which is positioned in the pumping conduit 265, preferablyhas a vane-like structure, e.g., an upstream enlarged leading edge and adownstream reduced trailing edge, to facilitate flow through the conduitand/or reduce turbulence prior to the fluid contacting the propeller250. Power system 200 can also have other fluid directing components,such as, for example, dome shaped housing 237 positioned upstream ofpropeller 250 which can also reduce turbulence and/or increase pumpingefficiency by directing fluid flow towards the propeller blades 255.While the exemplary embodiment uses a gear spool 220 and gear thruster230 to transfer power from the shortened drive shaft 130 to thepropeller 250, the present disclosure contemplates other arrangementsand configurations of transmission components, e.g., belts, chain drivesand combinations thereof, to transmit the power and provide fluid flowthrough the pumping system 200.

Propeller 250 is positioned in pumping conduit 260 downstream of theinlet 265. The pumping conduit 260 can have a diffuser 270 along adownstream portion thereof. Diffuser 270 can have diffuser vanes 275, aswell as a dispensing flange 280 and a diffuser bracket 285. Theparticular size and shape of the diffuser 270 can be chosen tofacilitate flow through the dispensing conduit 20 to the dispensingpoint. The diffuser 270 and vanes 275 can reduce turbulence by promotinga more gradual reduction in fluid velocity. The diffuser 270 can have anincreasing diameter in the downstream direction to further reduceturbulence and facilitate flow to the dispensing point. While in theexemplary embodiment of pump 10 the vanes 275 are fixed to the casing ofdiffuser 270, the present disclosure contemplates the use of rotatingvanes and combinations of rotating and non-rotating vanes.

The particular size, shape, configuration and number of vanes 275, aswell as the size and shape of the propeller 250 and diffuser 270 can bechosen to facilitate flow through the pumping system 200 and can bechosen based upon other factors, such as, for example, reducing damagingconditions including cavitation. While the exemplary embodiment uses apropeller 250 as a drive member to provide for fluid flow preferably byaxial flow pumping, the present disclosure contemplates other drive orpumping members being utilized by the floating pump 10, including, butnot limited to, open impellers, closed impellers, and diaphragms, aswell as other types of pumping systems, such as, for example, internalgear pumps, lobe pumps, peripheral pumps, pitot pumps, progressivecavity pumps, vane pumps, viscous drag pumps and vortex pumps.

Dispensing flange 280 is preferably an American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) flange to facilitate mounting with dispensing conduit20. However, the present disclosure contemplates other types of flanges,as well as other types of mounting structures and techniques, beingutilized with the outlet of the pumping system 200 to facilitateconnection with the dispensing conduit 20. A diffuser bracket 285 canalso be provided along an outer portion of the casing of the diffuser270 and/or pumping conduit 260, which allows for connection of theconduit and/or diffuser to the support structure 400.

Filtering system 300 can have one or more walls 310 that define an innervolume or reservoir 330 that is in fluid communication with the inlet265 of the pumping system 200. In the exemplary embodiment of pump 10,walls 310 are a base 315 and four side walls 320 that define a box-likestructure 325 having an open upper end. The base 315 preferably covers asubstantial portion of the support structure 400 in order to increasethe size of volume 330. The size and shape of box-like filtering system325 provides for increased surface area for flow into the volume 330 andthen into the inlet 265. The walls 310 can be made from variousmaterials that provide strength against penetration from debris butallow for a sufficient flow into the volume 330 such as a reinforcedscreen. Different materials can also be used for the base 315 ascompared to the sidewalls 320.

The filtering system 300 can prevent unwanted debris from entering thepumping conduit 260. Due to the configuration of the power system 100and the pumping system 200 which have the drive shaft 130 and rightangle gear 210 above the water line 30, as well as the gear spool 220and gear thruster 220 encased in housings 225 and 235, respectively, anydamage to the power and pumping systems by penetration of such unwanteddebris is reduced or eliminated. This protection is provided to thedevice 10 without a reduction of transmission efficiency or reduction oftorque. Additionally, the box-like structure 325 is only required toprotect or isolate the inlet 265 of the pumping conduit 260 since thecomponents of the pumping system are protected by the conduit 260 andtheir respective housings 225, 235 and 237, while the components of thepower system 100 are protected by their positioning above the water line30. The particular size of the openings or screening of the box-likestructure 325 can be chosen based upon the degree of filtering and/orprotection desired in consideration of the amount of flow therethrough.

Fluid flow is schematically represented in FIG. 10 by arrow A indicatingflow into the inlet 265 and arrow B indicating flow out of the diffuser270. Where a dispensing conduit 20 is connected to the pumping conduit260, such as by flange 280, the fluid flow continues along thedispensing conduit to the dispensing point. The inlet 265 is suppliedthe fluid by the volume or reservoir 330 defined by box-like structure325. The combination of right angle gear 210 and gear thruster 230provides a Z-drive for pump 10. The Z-drive configuration allows forhorizontal suction without the need for a flow guide deflector orshroud. Pumping System 200 as shown in FIG. 9 can be provided as amodular package that is independent of the support structure 400 and thefloatation system 500.

Referring to FIG. 13, in order to provide strength and stability to pump10, support structure 400 is preferably made from a number of beams thatare welded together via a water tight weld. Although, the presentdisclosure contemplates other connection structures and techniques beingused for the support structure 400, as well as integrally forming someor all of the support structure. The beams can be of box tube design,e.g., carbon steel box tube, such as beams 440, 445, 450 and 452,although other beam structures are contemplated by the presentdisclosure, such as I-beams. Other structural members can be used suchas C-channels 455, L-angle brackets 460, flat brackets 465 and bentbrackets 470. To provide additional rigidity and strength to the supportstructure 400, gussets 475 can be welded or otherwise connected betweenbeams and/or other structural members, and preferably are positioned ata 45 degree angle with respect to adjacent beams and/or other structuralmembers.

Support structure 400 preferably provides a structure with a sufficientheight to allow the various components described above to be held abovethe water line 30 to avoid contact with, or prolonged exposure to, thewater or other fluid. The particular dimensions chosen for the supportstructure 400 can vary depending upon the size and weight of thecomponents of power, pumping and filtering systems 100, 200 and 300. Inthe exemplary embodiment of pump 10, a rectangular structure is providedhaving a length that is more than twice the width of the structure. Sucha configuration provides stability for the floating pump 10, althoughother shapes and/or dimensions for the support structure 400 are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, a floatation system 500 is provided that has oneor more floats or pontoons 510. In the exemplary embodiment of pump 10,there are two floats 510 that are of equal size and which are positionedalong a substantial length of opposing sides of the support structure400. However, the present disclosure contemplates the use of a singlefloat or more than two floats, and the particular shape of the floatscan be chosen to facilitate assembly while maintaining buoyancy, forexample, a single float having a U-Shape with the open-end of the floatin proximity to the pumping conduit 260 can be used.

The floats 510 can be made from a material that provides sufficientbuoyancy to maintain the power system 100 above the water line 30. Inthe exemplary embodiment of pump 10, floats 510 can be made ofreinforced fiberglass and can be filled with foam, such as, for example,segmented closed cell foam. However, the present disclosure contemplatesthe floats 510 being made from different materials and being filled withdifferent materials and/or not filled with any material, as long as thefloats 510 provide the required buoyancy for the pump 10. In a preferredembodiment, the fiberglass floats 510 have support ribs therein, e.g.,honeycomb ribs, to provide structural integrity for the floats.

The structural integrity of the floats 510 allows workers to walk alongthe floats to access the components of the pump 10, such as the engine110, for operation, maintenance and the like. The floats 510 preferablyhave gripping surfaces along a top portion of the floats and morepreferably along the entire top portion of the floats. The grippingsurface can be made from various material or combinations of materials.In the exemplary embodiment of pump 10, a gel coat is provided to theentire float 510 for protection and a non-slip coating is applied alongthe top surface of each of the floats. The present disclosure alsocontemplates the use of other non-slip or gripping features for thefloats 510 including chevrons and the like along the floats.

The foregoing description is provided in the context of an exemplaryembodiment of a floating pump. Thus, it will of course be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the specific details describedherein, which are given by way of example only, and that variousmodifications and alterations are possible within the scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

1. A floating pump comprising: a power system having a power source anda drive shaft; a pumping system having a pumping conduit and a drivemember, wherein the pumping conduit has an inlet and an outlet, andwherein the drive member is operably connected to the drive shaft forinducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit; a filtering system influid communication with the inlet; a floatation system having at leastone float with sufficient buoyancy to maintain the drive shaft above awater line; and a support structure for supporting the power, pumping,filtering and floatation systems.
 2. The pump of claim 1, wherein thedrive member is a propeller in the pumping conduit.
 3. The pump of claim1, wherein the at least one float is first and second floats positionedalong a substantial length of the support structure on opposing sides ofthe support structure.
 4. The pump of claim 1, wherein the power sourceis an internal combustion engine.
 5. The pump of claim 1, wherein thefiltering system is a box-like structure having an open upper end andcomprising a plurality of walls made from screen.
 6. The pump of claim1, wherein the drive shaft is substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the support structure.
 7. The pump of claim 6, wherein thepumping system further comprises a right angle gear operably connectedto the drive shaft and being substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the support structure.
 8. The pump of claim 2,wherein the pumping system further comprises a diffuser downstream ofthe propeller.
 9. The pump of claim 1, wherein the power source and thedrive shaft are positioned along a center portion of the supportstructure.
 10. A floating pump comprising: a power system having a powersource and a drive shaft; a pumping system having a pumping conduit, atleast one gear and a drive member, wherein the pumping conduit has aninlet and an outlet, and wherein the drive member is operably connectedto the drive shaft via the at least one gear for inducing fluid flowthrough the pumping conduit; a filtering system in fluid communicationwith the inlet; a floatation system having at least one float withsufficient buoyancy to maintain the power source above a water line; anda support structure for supporting the power, pumping, filtering andfloatation systems, wherein the power source, the drive shaft and the atleast one gear are positioned along a center portion of the supportstructure.
 11. The pump of claim 10, wherein a distance from a centerpoint of the power source to a center point of the at least one gear isless than 0.75 of a length of the support structure.
 12. The pump ofclaim 10, wherein a distance from a center point of the power source toa center point of the at least one gear is less than 0.5 of a length ofthe support structure.
 13. The pump of claim 10, wherein a distance froma center point of the power source to a center point of the at least onegear is less that 0.4 of a length of the support structure.
 14. The pumpof claim 10, wherein the drive member is a propeller positioned in thepumping conduit and wherein the at least one float maintains the driveshaft above the water line.
 15. The pump of claim 10, wherein the atleast one float is first and second floats positioned along asubstantial length of the support structure on opposing sides of thesupport structure.
 16. The pump of claim 10, wherein the power source isan internal combustion engine.
 17. The pump of claim 10, wherein thefiltering system is a box-like structure having an open upper end andcomprising a plurality of walls made from screen.
 18. The pump of claim10, wherein the drive shaft is substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the support structure and the at least one gear is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support structure.
 19. Thepump of claim 14, wherein the pumping system further comprises adiffuser downstream of the propeller.
 20. A floating pump comprising: apower system having an engine and a drive shaft; a pumping system havinga pumping conduit, at least one gear and a propeller, wherein thepumping conduit has an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the propeller isoperably connected to the drive shaft via the at least one gear forinducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit; a floatation systemhaving at least one float with sufficient buoyancy to maintain theengine and drive shaft above a water line; and a support structure forsupporting the power, pumping, filtering and floatation systems, whereinthe engine, drive shaft and at least one gear are positioned along acenter portion of the support structure.